Kernels ready to crack open new stadium in Cedar Rapids

The Cedar Rapids Kernels say Sunday’s home opener is sold out. It will mark the team’s first game in new Veterans Stadium. Kernels’ General Manager Jack Roeder says as with other new stadium projects, the actual construction took the shortest amount of time. He says the planning has been underway for years to replace the old stadium.Roeder says construction has proceeded on time despite an ambitious schedule. The groundbreaking was last June and the weather allowed crews to continue working through the winter. He says the stadium won’t be 100 percent completed by the opener.Roeder says the opener is already sold out as the excitement around the new stadium has pushed ticket sales.Roeder says the new stadium helps ensure that professional baseball remains in Cedar Rapids at a time when a growing number of markets are trying to attract franchises. He says there’ve been 100 new minor league stadiums built since 1988 as cities compete for the franchises. Roeder says they’ve been fortunate to have good city backing for the team